I need help choosing my first real digital camera. Im currently a graphic design student and am interested in getting into photography as the two go semi hand in hand. I am in an introductory film class only because its a pre-req for digital. Anyway i have yet to buy my camera and need help choosing the right one. Iv narrowed it down to either a Canon 50D or Nikon D90.

Alot of people say these two arent meant to compete but they both have evenly priced package deals on ebay. I want to start to get into macro and nature type photography so im looking for beautiful COLOR, and if there is really a difference, a camera better suited for MACRO.

I understand that the quality of the photo depends vastly on the photographer, however maybe one of these cameras has a more sophisticated RGB sensor or better lenses for macro.

Im completely new to this so all input helps. Iv been unable to decide on these two cameras for a week and its driving me crazy. Iv heard mixed opinions on both, i just need to be persuaded one way or another.

I plan on going down to best buy soon to play with both. uggg....... im tired of comparing, hahah.

Better suited for macro? Clearly the answer there is Nikon, simply because Nikon has many,many more models of used macro lenses dating back to the 1960's, some of which are still superb performers, bellows, the 5T and 6T close-up filters,
inexpensive lens reversing rings, and most importantly, Nikon has ALL the accessories needed for even very sophisticated macro setups where you can take a simple,affordable lens like a used 200mm f/4 Ai for $79 and buy a $10 reversing ring,and mount a used 24mm on the front in reverse,and have an ultra-macro lens capable of shooting roughly 4.5x life-size, for under $250.

Seriously...the fact that Nikon lenses will work without expensive electronic lens reversers from Novoflex,and that Nikon has made many superb 55,60,105,and 200mm Micro-Nikkor lenses, over decades, puts Nikon significantly ahead of Canon when it comes to both simple "close-up" photography,and true macro work. Check out John Shaw's excellent guides to close-up and nature photography for insight into how capable even 20- and 30-year old Nikon equipment is for closeup and macro work.

I am not saying Canon is "bad" for macro work....just that the decison they made to drop ALL lens aperture rings 22 years ago has limited the ease of use and eliminated such things as the Nikon BR2 lens reversing ring which can turn almost any lens into a close-up lens--with aperture control. The EF mount was never designed with macro use in mind, but was seen as a bridge to the AF future.

You are right, it depends way more on the photographer than it does on the camera body.

It also depends way more on the LENS than the camera body.

Getting high end glass, getting good knowledge and practice are the 3 most important things when you start photography.

Both the D90 and 50D are very capable cameras and whichever you chose, I am sure you will be very happy with.

Things to consider:

- Both Nikon and Canon offer great high end lenses. Both are very capable. Don't let someone tell you that Nikon is better at portraits and Canon is better at sports type of thing.

- Do you know anyone with either a Nikon or Canon that you can borrow higher end lenses with? That might sway your decision somewhat

- When you are at the level you are in your decision, its alot about feel of the camera and menu more than anything else. Head to a store and handle both cameras. Shoot some images in store, but dont focus on the quality of the shots, focus more on the feel of the buttons, layout of the menu and so on.

- Both are CMOS sensors, both have 920,000 LCDs, both have similar sized sensors, both shoot raw.

- the Canon shoots faster frames per second (good for sports) and has slightly higher (not necessarily usable) ISO... the Nikon has movies.

So yeah, they are very similar. Don't get bogged down in the specs, play with them in store.

I would maybe not think about getting a full kit from ebay as the lenses that come with the cameras are often consumer grade. Ok to start, but most serious photographers will replace them somewhat quickly.

A great lens to look into is a 50mm f/1.8 lens. Not a macro lens, but its a great image quality, low budget lens.

Thanx for the posts. Ya nikon was my first choice anyway, i heard somewhere that canon has better color but yet again thats mostly the photographer. Im headed to best but after work to play with both. Will post after i play

Just got back from best buy. Iv eliminated both my options and decided just to put a bullet in my head haha, jk, but really, its frustrating. I wish these cameras could be combined into one with all the features.:er:

Anyway, after playing with both...... i like the canon(cringe).im just terrified of buyers remorse. im still in college so this is alot of money to me.

Ups about the Canon-Nice stock lens-Easy menu-i have big hands and long fingers so i liked the size and feel of the canon, not to mention it was heavier which is a good thing in my opinion and it felt better put together. Iv heard they have good water seals. It just seemed way easier to use.

Downs- After playing with it, could find none.

Ups about the Nikon-Although the menu was harder to use, i found the actual button layout easier to use. Thats about the only thing i found better after playing with it.

Downs on Canon- I,v heard that lens compatibility with the Canons can be tough because they change their style every ten years.(but im sure theres some type of adapter right?)

Downs on Nikon-Crapy crapy crapy stock lens. I know that much about cameras yet but i could just tell this lens was crap. Also it was very small and light, which some might like but it just tells me its not built as well.

I think im gonna go for the Canon, Now i just need to hear some more positive about the Canon so im sure, haha

Why not buy a good USED camera, see if you like it, and if you like photography, then buy better once you really know what you want.

In most major cities with Craigslist, and anywhere with eBay, used camera bodies and kit lenses (both Canon and Nikon) are affordable and plentiful.

As a college student with limited funds, why spend $1,000.00 or more when you might find something you like for 1/2 that, or even less?

Just a suggestion.

I would never buy a new camera, there are way, WAY too many deals out there from people who spent too much, or bought more than they needed or could handle and now regret it, want to get some of their money back.

It is definitely a buyer's market - you CAN find what you like at a price you will be happy with.

Speaking of macro work, APS-C format cameras have a distinct advantage in this area, simply because they have greater DoF and you'll be able to get more light without suffering as much of a penalty. It's worth noting that macro can be scary because DoF can be reduced to (literally) zeronuffin, nadaif you're focusing really close and opening up your aperture too far. Smaller sensors can be a boon in such scenarios, where that extra bit of DoF is a good thing.

So which one of these is APS-C format, and if both, than which one is better?

By the way, i plan on getting the Camera from an ebay store called get it digital. They have 99.9 percent feedback, are featured on the ebay homepage, provide a phone number and website, and have awesome reviews, however i looked them up on google and found some complaints that people were recieving grey market cameras with no usa warranty. On the forum i found this on getitdigital actually replied stating that not all cameras they sell are under usa warranties, and that the people asumed it would be although not posted in the ad. The camera im looking at states its under USA warranty so hopefully its all good.

Thanks for all the posts. Playing with the Cameras is what really did it for me. I really like the Canon. I know they switch up there lenses every so often but arent there adapters for that? And i dont have to buy Canon lenses. So i think im buyin the Canon tonight unless i see any awesome used deals, or some one can suede me back towards the Nikon haha.